Civility: ONLINE ARTICLES

Office gossip, power struggles, burnout, and short fuses are becoming more the rule than the exception in running a medical practice.
Positive change is possible when the focus is on the end result, and the tool is personal responsibility.

A recent encounter with a less-than-polite grocery store clerk reminded me that incivility isn't just a character flaw, a personality quirk, or the product of "a bad day." Incivility is a much wider problem with a startling arch of influence.

Take a good, clear-eyed view of your office. Do any of your employees look on the verge of flipping tables? If so, it’s time to reevaluate the level of civility.

Recent studies and polls indicate that Americans view incivility as a serious problem that is
getting worse. If each employee develops an awareness of respectful behaviors and necessary skills, it is
anticipated that employees will serve as role models and that these behaviors will spread in
the workplace and beyond.

The 2011 Civility in America poll reported that 38 percent of workers believe the workplace is becoming more disrespectful, and that 67 percent believe there is a strong need for civility training. Clearly, Americans are taking notice of the need for respect at work.

by Sherone Bar-David

In the 21st century, which has been characterized by complexity, instability, and continuous change, the well-being of individuals is threatened.

Respondents were asked to consider uncivil behavior they had encountered over the year preceding the survey and respond accordingly. Uncivil behavior was defined as “actions or verbal exchanges you would consider rude, disrespectful, dismissive, threatening,
demeaning, or inappropriate”.